Brave mum in fight of her life
AN Idalia mother of four is facing the toughest challenge of her life: a breast cancer diagnosis.
But rather than wallow in her own grief, Emma Wealleans, 35, is determined to raise funds for breast cancer awareness.
“After a lot of tears, and the anger subsides, I realise that no matter what I do this isn’t going to go away,” she said. “My goal is to raise awareness and funds not only for the Cancer Council and the Breast Cancer Foundation but also for the McGrath Foundation.”
Mrs Wealleans said the work and support of the McGrath Foundation was incredible.
“I met my McGrath Foundation nurse, Tania, a week after I was diagnosed and she really is an angel,” she said.
“The work and support this foundation does is amazing. Tania will make my journey that bit easier.
“I want to share my story and bring awareness to breast cancer and hopefully raise some money for the charities that support women going through breast cancer and for the organisations that are trying to find a cure.”
Mrs Wealleans, who is the mother to four young boys, said she planned to fight cancer “with all that I have”.
“I have to get up, accept what’s happened and fight and fight hard,” she said.
“I have too much to fight for. I have an amazing husband who I want to grow old with and four little boys who are the light of my life and who I want to see grow up.
“The road ahead is going to incredibly rough but I will stand tall and I will beat this.”
Mrs Wealleans was diagnosed with breast cancer six weeks ago.
“There’s no history of breast cancer in my family,” she said.
“I’m only in my early 30s. I didn’t think I would be in this situation.
“When I noticed a cracked nipple and redness and swelling of my breast, I knew something was wrong.
“I was sent for tests and my doctor confirmed it was cancer soon after.”
Mrs Wealleans encouraged women of any age to get themselves checked if they noticed any changes to their breasts.
“It really is better to get checked and be safe than sorry,” she said.
Mrs Wealleans is undergoing chemotherapy, which will be followed by surgery and then radiation.
She is hoping to be finished her treatment by the end of the year, and return to her position as a receptionist at a local law firm early next year.
Anyone wishing to help Emma Wealleans’ fight against cancer go to www. gofundme. com/ numaakhelp- emma- kick- cancers- arse